Basketball is a team sport, and over the years, the NBA has featured several outstanding tandems. These teams’ success has been largely attributed to these duos, who have taken them to championships and produced some of the best individual performances in NBA history. The best NBA duos in history will be compared in this article based on their records, feats, and contributions to the league.
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The iconic duo of Magic and Kareem will always be remembered fondly in the hearts of Lakers fans, and for good reason. They were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers for nine seasons and won five championships together. Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar were key players for the Lakers during the Showtime era, with Johnson acting as the team’s playmaker and Abdul-Jabbar dominating in the post.
Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar combined for 44.5 points, 17.5 rebounds, and 14.1 assists per game. Johnson’s passing skill combined with Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring ability made them a fearsome combo, and their success together helped establish the Lakers as one of the NBA’s top teams.
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are generally regarded as one of the greatest basketball duos of all time. They were teammates on the Chicago Bulls for nine seasons and won six championships together. Jordan and Pippen were both dominating players in their own right, with Jordan being recognized for his ability to score and Pippen being known for his defense. But truthfully, both players were elite two-way players.
Jordan and Pippen combined for 44.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. They were both great defenders, with Jordan earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and Pippen making the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight times.
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant
Though they had a somewhat mercurial and turbulent relationship, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are undoubtedly one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. They played together for eight seasons on the Los Angeles Lakers and won three championships together. O’Neal was a dominant force in the post, while Bryant was a skilled scorer from anywhere on the court.
Together, O’Neal and Bryant averaged 56.4 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. They were both named to the All-NBA First Team three times while playing together and were instrumental in the Lakers’ success in the early 2000s.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade
Great friends and even better teammates, it could actually be argued that their skills on the basketball court were not a great complementary match. In spite of this, transcendent talent can never be denied, and LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are one of the greatest duos of the modern NBA era. They played together for four seasons on the Miami Heat and won two championships together. James and Wade were both dominant players in their own right, with James known for his all-around skills and Wade known for his scoring ability.
Together, James and Wade averaged 46.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per game. They were both named to the All-NBA First Team twice while playing together and helped establish the Heat as one of the premier teams in the NBA.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant
Imagine having the greatest long range shooter in the history of basketball playing alongside another elite shooter, who also happens to be excellent defensively. That is not the start of a basketball fantasy, but rather the reality of the pairing that was Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. They played together for two seasons on the Golden State Warriors and won two championships together. Curry is known for his shooting, elite ball handling, and tireless motor. Meanwhile Durant is known for his scoring ability and versatility.
Together, Curry and Durant averaged 54.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 12.0 assists per game. They were both named to the All-NBA First Team while playing together and were instrumental in the Warriors’ success in the late 2010s.
Comparison of Duos
When comparing the performances of the NBA’s greatest duos, it’s important to consider a few key factors. These include statistics, accomplishments, and impact on the game. Let’s take a closer look at how these duos stack up in each of these areas.
Statistics
When it comes to statistics, each of these duos put up impressive numbers. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the highest combined points, rebounds, and assists per game, while Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant had the highest combined points per game. However, it’s worth noting that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had the highest combined steals and blocks per game, showing their dominance on the defensive end of the court.
Accomplishments
When it comes to accomplishments, each of these duos have a impressive resume. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five championships together, while Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen won six. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant won three championships, while LeBron James and Dwyane Wade won two. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant won two championships together as well.
In addition to championships, these duos have also won numerous individual awards. For example, Jordan and Pippen both won the NBA All-Defensive First Team award multiple times, while Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar both won the NBA MVP award during their time together on the Lakers.
Impact on the Game
When it comes to impact on the game, each of these duos have left a lasting legacy. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar helped establish the Lakers as one of the premier teams in the NBA during the Showtime era. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen helped the Bulls establish a dynasty in the 1990s. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dominated the NBA in the early 2000s, while LeBron James and Dwyane Wade helped bring the Miami Heat to new heights.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant also had a significant impact on the game, as their partnership helped establish the Golden State Warriors as one of the most dominant teams of the late 2010s. Their success together helped redefine the way the game is played, with their emphasis on three-point shooting and ball movement.
Conclusion
When it comes to the NBA’s greatest duos, it’s clear that each of these pairs have had a significant impact on the game. From Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, each of these duos have left a lasting legacy in the NBA. While it’s impossible to definitively say which duo is the greatest, it’s clear that each of them have had an impressive impact on the game both individually and together.
